Saqib takes 7 wickets on debut before rain disrupts Pakistan-Sri Lanka first cricket Test

RAWALPINDI New fast bowler Saqib Khan's seven-wicket haul led Pakistan's comeback against Sri Lanka on a rain-affected day four of the first cricket test on Thursday. Saqib's dream figures of 7-130 on debut helped Sri Lanka collapse to 446 all out after resuming on a formidable 404-4. Sri Lanka eked out a first-innings lead of 12 runs.

Pakistan reached 57-1 in 21.2 overs of its second innings midway into the second session when stumps was called at 3:05 p.m. for bad light followed by rain. Pakistan leads by 45 runs at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

At the crease were Azan Awais, on 22 after he was dropped on 17 by captain Kusal Mendis behind the wickets, and Mohammad Taha, one of Pakistan's four debutants who has followed his first innings half-century with 24 not out off 55 balls. The 31-year-old Saqib made full use of perfect bowling conditions on the fourth morning with incisive swing to rattle Sri Lanka. The visitor lost its last six wickets for 42 runs in a seven-wicket first session after only one wicket fell on day two.